YAWL
YAWL is a free, open-source system for modeling and running business processes.
What YAWL is
YAWL is a free, open-source system for modeling and running business processes. It supports control-flow patterns, process dependencies and resourcing requirements, with XML Schema, XPath and XQuery support for data handling. Users can map data with drag-and-drop tools and verify models through Reset nets or transition invariants using the WofYAWL editor plug-in. Worklets allow workflows to adapt as requirements change, and YAWL handles exceptions whether anticipated or not at design time. Tasks can be carried out by people, web services, external applications or Java code; components can be extended, replaced or added. Browser-based forms support human participants and can be generated dynamically from activity data. YAWL is self-hosted, requires Java 21 or later, and provides Windows, macOS and Linux installers plus a zip package. It can be configured for Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL and Sybase. Web services and a library JAR support integration and embedding; manuals, Javadoc, a forum and GitHub issue reporting are available.
Good
- Free and open source under the LGPL.
- Supports adaptable workflows and exception handling.
- Tasks can use people, services or code.
- Offers browser-based participant forms.
- Can be configured for several listed databases.
Watch out
- Requires Java 21 or later.
- Deployment is self-hosted.
- Formal verification uses a named editor plug-in.
Who it suits
YAWL may suit BPM practitioners and researchers who need to model and execute adaptable processes in a self-hosted environment. Its maker also describes its book as suitable for tertiary education.
Verdict
YAWL combines process modeling with data handling, verification and adaptable workflows. Its Java requirement and self-hosted deployment are important considerations when assessing fit.
Plans and prices
From YAWL's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| YAWL | Free | Free, open-source BPM/workflow system · released under the LGPL licence |
The facts
Each one read from YAWL's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Control flow
- YAWL supports comprehensive control-flow patterns and captures control-flow dependencies and resourcing requirements.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Database support
- The maker lists Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL and Sybase among the database systems YAWL can be configured to use.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- YAWL supports XML Schema, XPath and XQuery, including drag-and-drop data mappings.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Deployment requirement
- YAWL requires Java 21 or later and offers installers for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus a zip package for all operating systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Exception handling
- YAWL supports handling exceptions anticipated and unanticipated at design time.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Tasks can be performed by human participants, web services, external applications or Java code, and components can be extended, replaced or added.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Forms
- YAWL supports browser-based forms for human participants and dynamic form generation from activity data documents.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integration and development
- YAWL provides core and optional web services as WAR files for a servlet container, and a library JAR for embedding YAWL classes in applications.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes the YAWL book as suitable for tertiary education and useful to BPM researchers and practitioners.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- YAWL is a BPM/workflow system for modeling and executing business processes.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker links to manuals, Javadoc, a question forum and GitHub problem reporting; consulting services listed include training and technical support.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Verification
- Its formal foundation supports automated verification through two approaches: Reset nets and transition invariants via the WofYAWL editor plug-in.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Workflow flexibility
- The Worklets approach supports dynamic workflows that can evolve as requirements change.checked 9 Oct 2026
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